Park Joo Byung from South Korea attended G20 -2012 admission
A new academic year calls for new opportunities, and I began my sophomore year with one of the most interesting and exciting experiences I have ever had. From April 17 to April 21, I attended the G20 Youth Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The G20 Youth Forum is a gathering of young academics to debate on the most pressing global issues and the exchange their academic findings. There were about 4 events held separately and simultaneously: the International Parliamentarian’s Debate, Conference, Youth Summit, and the Observers’ Program.
I took part in the Youth Summit, where I had the honor and the privilege to represent Japan and its Minister of Energy. Once in the Youth Summit, my fellow group members and I were given the task to expound upon the issue of “sustainable development of future energy markets”. Since the duration of the G20 Youth Forum was quite limited, about 8 hours per day were allocated for this task. After many hours and tiresome yet fruitful discussions, a final Communiqué was devised, in which all the ideas of 4 events were clearly and briefly summarized into one document. This document will be forwarded towards the Heads of State as well as leading organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, etc.
Just like the goal of the G20 Youth Forum, my experiences at the event were marvelous and grandiose. Not only did I have the chance to go to a new country and visit new places, but also I was able to meet many new talented academics and their bright, innovative ideas. I was all the while very excited talking about global issues, making new friends, and enjoying the scenery that four days felt no more than a few seconds. I will look forward to participate in more international conferences in the future to broaden my horizons and nurture my talents.